Texas regulators are being asked to weigh a disputed mine-water permit in Presidio County, where critics say approval would let over one million gallons of allegedly contaminated water a day flow into arroyos linked to the Rio Grande.
Here's what to know
At the center of the dispute is a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality permit request from Black Bear Minerals related to the Shafter Mine, Your Basin reported.
Protect Shafter officials say the authorization would permit releases into nearby arroyos of water that allegedly contains metals including lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium.
The proposed release would top one million gallons per day, with runoff moving beyond the boundaries of the mine property. The Protect Shafter group is calling on people in Presidio County and neighboring communities to speak up before the state rules on the discharge request.
"The meeting comes as TCEQ has received numerous complaints against the mine's operator and multiple issues surrounding the project remain unresolved, including pending permit challenges and ongoing litigation concerning property interests within the project area," Protect Shafter stated in a news release.
More background
On its website, Black Bear Minerals refers to the effort as the Shafter Silver Project. The company says exploration work at the Shafter Mine found "elevated silver grades and gold intercepts," which it presents as support for the site's economic promise.
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Opponents say that while the site is being pitched for its precious metals, the company is asking for approval to direct mine water toward channels tied to the Rio Grande. In their view, the potential effects would not stop at the mine property line.
Several local stakeholders are involved as well. John B. Scott, a spokesperson for Southwestern Holdings, has also urged residents to take part in the TCEQ meeting. ProtectShafter.org describes its mission as protecting the Rio Grande and says the site is sponsored by Southwestern Holdings.
What can be done?
Residents had a chance to enter remarks into the public record at a TCEQ meeting in Presidio on Tuesday.
Protect Shafter is pointing residents to its website for details about its campaign related to the mine and its stated mission of protecting the Rio Grande.
Where can I learn more?
Similar fights over wastewater, mine-related water threats, and groundwater supplies have surfaced elsewhere, too.
• In Wichita Falls, Texas, a Delaware firm sought to release 95,000 gallons a day into Lake Wichita.
• Near Fort Frances, Ontario, residents warned a proposed U.S. mine could jeopardize their drinking water.
• In Central Texas, neighbors feared a proposed four-acre lagoon could contaminate groundwater and nearby wells.
• In Spring Branch, Texas, neighbors said wastewater could flow through backyards before reaching Canyon Lake.
• West Texas farmers warned a water sale plan could drain the ancient Capitan Reef aquifer.
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